This is from organic chemistry lab for an identification of an unknown alcochol: The formic acid used to destroy excess oxidizing reagent is already in high state of oxidation. What happens to it? Why is formic acid used rather than mthal or formaldehyde?
by 
CutiePutie
ANSWERS: 1
-
Formic acid is unusual in that it contains both the acid group COOH and the aldehyde group CH(OH) on the same carbon atom. Aldehydes can be oxidized to acids of course. In other words, HCOOH can oxidize to HOCOOH. Now, if you rewrite this slightly differently, putting the like atoms together you will get H2CO3 which you will recognise as carbonic acid (HO)2CO if you like. Mthal (Methanal) or formaldehyde H2CO you could oxidize two C-H bonds to C-OH instead of just the one, but its a volatile, very irritating, substance otherwise used to preserve dead bodies. Not nice to have around a lab in open conditions, particularly in a learning lab. Formally, in both cases it is the carbon that is being oxidized. In formic acid it goes from -3 to -4. In formaldehyde it goes from -2 to -4.
RELATED QUESTIONS
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC